"Oh, no..." Anxious and sad, Anastasia looked over her shoulder at Alexander.

"Try dissolving it in some water," Alexander suggested thoughtfully.

Anastasia complied, hastily filling a glass at the dispenser. She placed the pill inside, watching the brown color diffuse as it dissolved.

"It wouldn't affect the pill's potency, would it?" she asked hesitantly, worried the slightest mistake would hinder her father's recovery. Alexander looked pensive, offering no immediate answer.

Receiving no response, Anastasia hesitated to administer the medication. "Alex?" she called out.

Alexander started, then said, "Hold on. Let me make a call."

He dialed Lily. Anastasia's question had given him pause; he hadn't considered whether dissolving the pill mattered. He reasoned the effect would be similar regardless, but, not being a doctor, her question unsettled him. For safety, he decided to consult Lily. He also worried about her well-being.

He called several times without an answer, his concern growing. He knew it was risky for her to be there, and she might be unable to answer her phone. Anxious, he redialed, his gaze falling on the water dispenser.

The water container gurgled softly as it heated. Before he could reach Lily, a commotion erupted outside.

It was loud, and Alexander glanced at Anastasia, who looked impatient, the pill still in her hand. "Don't worry about that. Someone's probably trying to see my father again." Anastasia had become accustomed to visitors requesting to see Cameron. Initially respectful, some had grown uneasy as time passed with no sign of improvement, spreading rumors and resorting to intrusive inquiries. "Is Lily still not answering? Is she okay?" Anastasia's worry mirrored Alexander's expression.

Alexander hung up, frowning at Anastasia, then at Cameron, whose eyes were closed. His complexion was worsening. If they waited, it might be too late. "Let me try," Alexander decided swiftly. He took the pill from Anastasia, pinched Cameron's cheeks to open his mouth, and quickly administered the medication, then closed Cameron's jaw and tilted his head back.

Anastasia watched anxiously.